Mattia Liberali: Milan Want Him Back, But He’s Thinking It Over
The story of Mattia Liberali and AC Milan is the kind of saga that grips and divides the Rossoneri fanbase in equal measure. A product of the Milanello academy, the young playmaker was sold last summer to Catanzaro for a nominal fee, though with a 50% sell-on clause built into the deal. In practical terms, should Milan wish to bring him back, they would only need to pay €3 million — half of the €6 million clause in Catanzaro’s contract.
The financial picture is clear and straightforward. Yet, somewhat surprisingly, a return to Milan is anything but guaranteed. The decision lies entirely with the player himself, and Liberali is taking his time weighing up his options.
Amorim Calls Every Day: The Portuguese Coach’s Personal Pursuit
New Milan head coach Rúben Amorim has made his intentions crystal clear: he wants Liberali at Milan. According to reliable sources, the Portuguese manager has been in daily telephone contact with the player, doing his best to persuade him to return to Milanello and take on the role of attacking midfielder, ideally playing behind Santiago Gimenez alongside profiles such as Pulisic and Nkunku.
This is not a token gesture — Amorim envisions him as a player with meaningful minutes, not a luxury squad option. A significant vote of confidence for a young man who has shown real quality during his stint in Calabria.
The Ibrahimovic Factor: Shadows from the Past
Despite the coach’s sustained pressure, Liberali has yet to say yes. The roots of his hesitation lie in past tensions with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Rossoneri’s current sporting figurehead. After a brief first-team debut under Fonseca’s stewardship, Liberali did not feel properly valued at the club. Ibrahimovic’s continued presence within the organisation remains a source of reservation for the young Milanese talent.
It is a situation that illustrates how, in football, personal dynamics can carry just as much weight as tactical or financial considerations.
The Competition: Como with Fàbregas and Sassuolo with Aquilani
Two clubs are actively pursuing Liberali as genuine alternatives. The first is Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, an ambitious coach reportedly ready to invest the full €6 million to secure the player’s services. The Lombardy club, who will compete in the Champions League next season, can offer him high game time and an exciting project.
The second option is Sassuolo, where Alessio Aquilani — who coached Liberali at Catanzaro — is in charge. A manager who already believes in him and knows his qualities intimately could prove a decisive factor in the final decision.
Milan: The Emotional Pull vs. Practical Reality
In this context, Milan represent the choice of the heart: Liberali grew up at Milanello, he knows the red-and-black colours intimately, and the emotional pull is undeniable. However, the uncertainty surrounding the club’s structure in recent months has not helped Milan’s cause. Amorim keeps calling, but right now the ball is at the player’s feet. The coming weeks will reveal whether the bond with the Rossoneri shirt is strong enough to tip the balance.
